Ford Focus Question & Answers

Used Ford Focus

Question: Ford Focus?
I have a 1999 Ford Focus 1.8 petrol (65 000 miles) and wondered how long the catalytic converter should last and has anyone else with this model had to have one yet?

Answer: government regs make manufacturer responsible foe 10 yrs...

Question: I have a 2001 Ford focus and my key is stuck in the ignition?
I have a 2001 ford focus and yesterday i went to start my car and the key wouldnt go in the ignition to start it, finally i got the key in and got it started. Now when i shut the car off the key is completely stuck in the ignition and wont budge no matter how much i try. Does anyone know any tips on how i can get the key out or why it is stuck?

Answer: Actually, the best advice for your situation is to NOT remove the key from the ignition, if you can still start your car or shut it off. If you need to leave your car unattended, leave the key in the ignition with the door locked, and use your spare key. BUT, drive it straight to your nearest Ford dealer at your earliest convience and ask for part number SW-6285 to be keyed to match your key, and installed . This is the updated style lock cylinder that is used on 2005 to current model year Focuses. By taking my advice, your labour charge to replace the lock cylinder will be around $100.00, instead of $300.00 plus towing if you manage to remove the key, and end up unable to restart your vehicle. This is an extremely common issue with Focuses from model years 2000 to 2004. Hope this helps.

Question: How much is a totaled 2000 Ford Focus worth?
Ok so my car is totaled, its a 2000 Ford Focus SE with 102k miles on it, the windshield is broke out, the air bags are deployed and the front is pretty smashed up and both main bumper mounting brace parts of the frame are bent. Everything mechanical is still good and the car is still good from the front doors back. How much can I expect to sell it for?

Answer: my answer is try to check it out first on auto repair shop...

Question: How do I clean the inside of my Ford Focus headlights?
There is a film (of dirt?) covering the plastic on my 2000 Ford Focus headlights. How do I remove the headlight or lens cap to clean it?

Answer: Only way to have dirt and crud on the inside of the headlight is if it is cracked and broken and dirt is getting inside. Usually the plastic gets a "milky" or smokey tint to it that can most times be restored or removed by putting a good coating of rainx on the headlight outside and rubbing well. It is amazing how well this works on some that are almost no longer transparent. Try it if you get a chance.

Question: What mods can i Make to my Ford Focus to increase Gas mileage?
I own a Ford Focus ZX3 2001 model. I don't want to be forced to use a higher octane fuel after the mods.

Answer: you can add the short air intake and the header exhaust pipes. I've had both done and it (a) increase power (b) increased MPG (just a little).
=====

There are few thing you can do to save (or maximize) gas MPG. First get a tune-up.

(1) spark plugs
(2) spark plug wires
(3) distributors, coil, rotors (if you have them).
(4) new air filter
(5) PCV
(6) correct tire pressure
(7) clear the trunk of useless heavy items
(8) spray clean MAF sensor.

=====
Forget all those "SAVE GAS" scams. This was on NBC morning TV show. The difference is as much as 38% (their claim). There are very simple rules to save gas:

(1) drive slow - not too much past 55
(2) accelerate slowly
(3) don't brake unnecessarily
(4) use cruise control - whenever it is safe to do so.

Don't coast - it is NOT safe (to coast in Nuetral) and it does NOT save gas. It only saves gas, if you are planning to slow down (exiting, tolls, traffic). Coasting then accelerating again is LESS efficient than just cruising.

The above really works. Using those simple rules I was able to drive from Boston to NYC (210.5 miles) on just 5.112 gallon (94 Civic). That's 41 MPG (94 Civic 187K miles). Actually I was speeding at 72 MPH so I could do even better at 55.

Question: Is the starter on my ford focus covered by warranty?
I bought a 07 ford focus and it has only 14000 miles on it and the starter quit. I bought the car used from a chevy dealer. Would the starter be covered under warranty? Also where should I go to have the starter replaced, the dealer where I bought it from (Chevy) or to a Ford dealer?

Answer: Take it to a Ford dealer.
It is covered under the warranty & won't cost you anything!
Your bumper to bumper warranty is 3yr/36,000mi & your powertrain warranty is 5yr/100,000mi.
You also have FREE Roadside assiatance (which you can use NOW to tow your vehicle to the nearest Dealer for the starter replacement).
The number to call for the Roadside Assistance (towing & other free services) is 1(800)241-FORD.
Have your vehicle identification number handy & the registered owners name (I assume the vehicle is in your name?).

There should have been a set of books (owners manuals) included with your vehicle.
If the Chevy dealer didn't provide you with the "warranty guide" booklet, you can download it free from Fords website.
Here is the link to that download: (save it to your computer or print it for future reference)
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WO7FOC/~MUS~LEN/42/07focwa2u.pdf

You can also do the same with any of the other books that may not have been provided. Here is the link to Fords site for the other books available:
http://www.genuineservice.com/genuineservice/en/gloveboxresults
(enter the vehicle info)

You should also register with the "My Ford" owner resource center,
They send out a quarterly magazine that also usually has coupons in it & other private offers availeable to Ford owners.
Link to register:
https://myford.fordvehicles.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=MyFord/Page/LogOnPage&BackToLogin=

Other specials & promos:
http://www.genuineservice.com/genuineservice/en/default?page=Service

Question: Can you drop the transmission from the bottom in a 2000 ford focus?
Does anyone know if you can drop a transmission from the bottom in a 2000 ford focus or do you have to pull it from the top?

Answer: the transmission is on the bottom of the car so i would assume you would have great difficulty getting it out the top, i havent ever heard of pulling a transmission from the top before. you focus i think is front wheel drive and the CV/ drive shaft should be one of the lowest points in the engine bay and they connect directly to the transmission

Question: How much *should* a ford focus fuel pump and gasket replacement cost?
I've just been informed by the garage I took my car to (ford focus '02) that replacing the fuel pump would cost around $600, the gasket replacement would cost another $600-$800.. is this the usual price for these two services?

Should I take the car to an individual mechanic instead of a car repair shop?

Please help,,

Answer: 2002 Ford Focus ? Is the entire car worth $1400 ?? Did you take it to the dealership ? If so maybe the salesman is paying the service coordinator to steer "victims" to him. I can't imagine that price unless the fuel pump is inside the fuel tank and they have to remove the tank to get to it.... even at that, I've taken down tanks and replaced submerged pumps and it isn't worth $1400. For $1400 they should throw in a complimentary hemorrhoid surgery.

Question: If the speedometer on a ford focus doesnt work, how would I fix it?
2002 ford focus- speedometer just stopped working. Could it be a loose wire or a fuse- and what part of the car would I have to rip off to see?

2002 ford focus- if it is the sensor, how much would it cost to fix? I've been quoted 900...

Answer: Most likely it is sensor that is not working. New cars don't have a speedometer cable on them anymore it is all electronics. You will probably have to get to a garage to get this fixed as they will have the computer equipment to check it right.

Since the car is an '02 it may qualify as under warranty so take it to a Ford dealership. Even if it is out of warranty I would still go toa dealer for this; they will have a better chance of doing it right the first time as they see these things more than a small independant shop does.

Expect to spend about $75- $100 for it.

Question: How do i reprogram my remote control on my ford focus?
I would realy appreciate if someone can tell me how to reprogram the remote control for my 1999 ford focus. i have just bought the car and the remote had a flat battery and i had to change it. Now the remote does not work and needs to be reprogrammed and it is not in my little book. Any advice greatly recieved. Thank you.

Answer: Follow this procedure to program your factory remote transmitter for your Ford Focus:

1. Close all doors to make sure conflicting chimes do not sound during programming.
2. Turn the ignition switch from position I to position II four times within six seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to position 0.
4. A chime sounds and an LED will illuminate to indicate that the learning mode has been accessed and it is possible to program remote transmitters.
5. Within 10 seconds of the previous step, press any button on the remote transmitter being programmed until a chime is heard and the LED flashes. This indicates a new transmitter code has been successfully received.
6. After each successful remote transmitter programming, another 10 second learning mode is automatically entered, up to a maximum of four times.
7. To program additional remote transmitters, repeat step 5.
8. The system will exit the learning mode if the ignition switch is turned to position III, no new remote transmitter is programmed during the 10 seconds or if four remote transmitters have been programmed.
NOTE: An incorrect programming procedure does not affect the stored codes.

NOTE: A maximum of four remote transmitters can be programmed to the vehicle. Programming must be done at the same time for all the remote transmitters.

NOTE: Before entering the remote transmitter programming mode, make sure that the vehicle battery is fully charged and that the anti-theft system is not armed or triggered (if equipped).

Question: What performance mods can I do to my 07 ford focus?
I just bought a 07 ford focus se 2.0l and I would like some suggestions on what i could do to my car to enhance its performance without spending to much money.

Answer: i beg to differ ford focus is in exelant tuner car stop by and visit us at focaljet.com all focus owner more proformance parts than you will ever need .

Question: How do I change the cabin air filter on my 2007 Ford Focus?
I need to replace the cabin air filter on my '07 ford ford focus. My plan is to purchase the filter at an auto parts store and replace/install the new one myself. I have never done this before. If anyone knows how to I would greatly appreciate a reply. Thanks.

Answer: Your car does not have a filter.

If it did, you would find the information in the "Climate Control" section of your manual and would provide the location of the filter.

On my Taurus, I have to pull some clips that holds the plastic cowl down on the passenger side of the engine bay.

Question: Can I tow a travel trailer with my Ford Focus?
I'm planning on buying a folding tent trailer. They weigh about 1400lbs - 1900lbs for the size I want (8ft or 10ft). My Ford Focus can tow 1000lbs accord. to the guide. I was wondering if I might hurt the car if I towed the trailer just a few times to get it to my destination for the summer and then back home (about 3 hours driving hwy). I would drive slow and steady. Would this hurt the car?? I'm getting a bigger car with more towing capacity at the end of the summer but until then I wonder if the Focus can handle it and not cause any damage?

Answer: There are a number of important points firstly you must have a license that allows you to tow a trailer above a certain weight / size. The permitted weight is different if the trailer is braked.

The trailer weight must not exceed the kerb weight of the vehicle. You will have seen what occurs when the tail wags the dog the trailer swings the car from the back it can turn the car over in extreme cases.

Finally it does not matter how careful you are you only need a lorry or coach to pass you and the trailer can swing out due to the bow wave. You are only as safe as the worst driver on the road

I good guide is about a trailer maximum is 75% of the vehicles kerb weight.

Regards

Question: What kind of suspension would a 2002 Ford Focus have?
I have a 2002 Ford Focus, and I think there may be something wrong with the suspension. I was wondering what kind it might be so I could check into it. If anyone could let me know, thanks.

Answer: Yes it has a Mcpherson strut,poss with anti lock brakes,and even trackion controll. GOD Bles hope I've helped

Question: Where can I get fuel line retaining clips for a 2005 Ford Focus?
I damaged one of the stock clips while changing the fuel filter on my girlfriend's car. I thought "no problem" the new filter usually comes with new ones, but the replacement clips do not fit. I need these specific clips because they are shorter and skinnier than the replacement clips. I've even tried getting some smaller clips, but they do not work. Also, none of the autopart stores nearby carry clips that are remotely similar to these.
Is this a common problem with the focus? Will a ford dealer be able to accomodate me?

Answer: Yes, the only place to get these is at a Ford dealership and I am sure they have them in stock.

Question: How long will it take to build my Ford Focus?
I have ordered a Ford Focus recently and the dealer said it will take 4-8 weeks to build but since there is a slump in car sales in January, do you think my car will be ready sooner than 8 weeks? I am getting a few extras added to the car, but some of the extras are quite easy to fit.

Answer: The thing is that there is a slump but that has nothing to do with the production end except for the suits deciding when to scale back or up the quantities.

Ford is famous for having slumps and yet mass producing. Later they can flood the market with cheaper cars and get their investment back plus a pittance more. If the loss is really bad (during the tax year) they can claim it and get relief there even if later on they get their money back by flooding the market.

So no, I would expect the car to be ready in 8 weeks, 6 at the earliest. Often they tell you 8 weeks and it really is so that they have a couple weeks to bargain with if things get busy or backed up or if there is a problem.

Question: How to change the headlights on a 2002 Ford Focus?
After both my headlights dimmed last night (not at the same time) and being stopped by the police, I am in need of help on how to change the headlights in a 2002 Ford Focus.

Answer: handle the bulb carefully.. preferably with gloves. Don't touch the glass.. handle it by the plastic bit. Don't scratch it either. If you do, it can shatter. Look at your owner's manual.. it should have detailed instructions.

Question: What are the terms and conditions for the rebates on a 2007 Ford Focus auto?
I have been trying to discover on the net the full terms and conditions to receive the rebates on a 2007 Ford Focus auto.Every thing that is required in submitting it.Could not find them.

Answer: Ford rebates and/or incentives vary from region to region, and are always subject to change.
You can take advantage of the currant incentives that you qualify for, WHEN YOU TAKE DELIVERY of your NEW Ford, from a Ford dealer.
Not before, or after, but only,at your delivery.

Manufacture rebates are not something that you apply for later, or submit.

To see what is available to you now, in your region, go to http://fordvehicles.com

If you have already purchased a NEW vehicle (very recently) & think that you 'qualified' for additional rebates and/or incentives that you did not receive, then you need to contact the dealer. Only a Ford dealer can submit the claim form to Ford. If they missed a rebate (ie College Grad Rebate) perhaps they didn't know that you qualified, and they would need to have additional documentation from you (in this case a copy of your diploma).

The dealer has no reason not to submit a rebate for you. It is not coming out of their pocket, but out of Ford's pocket.

Ford Cars For Sale